To the Editor:

Efforts are continuing from a variety of directions to drastically reduce the size of the Albany County Legislature and, with it, the quality, diversity, and competence of the Legislature.

Early last year, the Albany County Charter Review Commission issued two reports: a lengthy one recommending numerous changes — some good — to the Albany County Charter, and a skimpy, almost pathetic, "Supplemental Report" urging reducing the legislature's size from the present 39 to 25 members.  The League of Women Voters of Albany County endorsed the ACCRC recommendations while providing scant evidence reducing the legislature's size would improve government.

Proponents of the reduction are strenuously trying to figure out some way to place the matter on a referendum this fall for county voters to decide. The reduction, if approved, would take effect after the 2020 census and redistricting.

I stand opposed to both reducing the size of the legislature and having voters decide this important matter. Voters are not stupid but only a tiny percent pays attention to what the county government does or to the important work of the legislature.  Most voters have been subjected to decades of anti-government propaganda and many would vote "yes," thinking they are reducing the size of "big government."

Several people told me that it is their belief that, if the referendum is held this fall when the entire legislature is up for election or re-election, many Republican candidates will campaign in favor of the reduction, claiming it will save money and lower taxes

Suburban Democrat candidates would be running scared, afraid they will be labeled or smeared as pro-big government and opposed to lowering taxes.  Democrat legislators, in particular, fear a large portion of voters will be largely or completely uninformed or misinformed on this issue and will vote "yes" on the referendum.  Democrat legislators may feel compelled to endorse the smaller legislature as the only way to win re-election in November.  

The ACCRC estimated that reducing the size of the legislature from 39 to 25 might save about $400,000 per year. What voters are not likely to hear from those urging "yes" referendum votes is that the county's annual budget is about $600 million. Thus, the savings, if any, would be less than one-10th of 1 percent of the county's budget, or practically nothing.

Pressure to reduce the legislature's size comes not only from Republicans, but also from powerful county Democrats who desire a more compliant legislature that will always do as it is told rather than occasionally think and act independently. This referendum would be sold to the public as an exercise in democracy — "Let the voters decide" — despite it being an effort to consolidate county government power into fewer hands, which is probably the last thing most voters desire.

Albany County Democrat and Republican party leaders have devised an ingenious scheme they think they can manipulate voters into approving that will accomplish their anti-democratic, power grabbing ambitions.

Several Democrats say Republican legislators are primarily motivated by a desire to increase their percentage of seats in the legislature, the referendum is how they intend to achieve it, and all the talk about saving money is a smokescreen to confuse voters.

Many suburban Democrats appear afraid to vote "no" on the resolution to schedule the referendum, which may be on the legislature's April 13 meeting agenda, because Republicans will hammer them for being opposed to letting the voters decide the issue.

My concern is with the quality and competence of local government. It is vital to retain the larger legislature because 39 members provide greater racial and economic diversity and are more representative of the county's 300,000 residents.

It is easier for less wealthy candidates to get elected in the smaller districts.  With 39 members as opposed to 25 or 29, legislators are closer to their voters, rural areas have more representatives, and the power of party bosses and elites is reduced.  More legislators are available to serve on standing and ad hoc committees, and it is more difficult for bad legislation to be rushed through the legislature.

A final reason to retain the larger legislature is because, with each passing year, our society is becoming more complex. New technologies create new opportunities but also pose new dangers.

Climate change will pose enormous challenges in coming decades. A larger legislature has more collective expertise and can bring a more informed discussion to public issues, with better policies likely to result.

This issue is not just about the Legislature or individual legislators; it is about us, the citizens and other residents of the county, and the type of government we desire.  We need competent government more than ever before and a larger legislature is the way to help assure we have it. 

Tom Ellis

Albany